The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has officially dismissed a viral online report claiming that HIV prevalence in Port Harcourt has reached an alarming 86 percent.
Ministry Issues Strong Denial
In a statement released through social media channels, the Ministry declared the circulating statistic to be completely false and inconsistent with official health data. The Ministry confirmed that no state in Nigeria has an HIV prevalence rate approaching the 86 percent figure that has been widely shared across various online platforms.
Health officials emphasized that the Ministry has not issued any advisory resembling the viral post currently circulating. They noted that the format, wording, and statistical claims in the misleading graphic do not align with official government communications or established reporting standards.
Directing Public to Verified Sources
The Ministry has directed concerned citizens and media organizations to seek accurate information from authorized sources. Official HIV prevalence data can be obtained from the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and verified Ministry publications.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of health misinformation spreading through social media platforms. The Ministry's prompt response aims to prevent unnecessary panic and ensure the public relies on scientifically validated health information.
Importance of Verified Health Data
The false report about Port Harcourt's HIV statistics demonstrates how quickly unverified health information can spread online. Health authorities stress the critical importance of consulting official sources for accurate public health data rather than relying on unverified social media posts.
The Ministry's statement was issued on November 24, 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat health misinformation and maintain public trust in Nigeria's healthcare reporting systems.
